Obama Establishes Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force

Washington - President Barack Obama on Friday issued a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies establising an Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force that "shall develop, with appropriate public input, a recommended framework for effective coastal and marine spatial planning. This framework should be a comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem-based approach that addresses conservation, economic activity, user conflict, and sustainable use of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources consistent with international law, including customary international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea."

"To succeed in protecting the oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes, the United States needs to act within a unifying framework under a clear national policy, including a comprehensive, ecosystem-based framework for the longterm conservation and use of our resources."

President Obama also proclaimed June 2009 as National Oceans Month.